…As Okenwa emerges Chairman
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Prof. Gabriel Okenwa, the new chairman of ProHealth, a health maintenance organization founded by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), has vowed to broaden the agency’s operational horizons in order to make its extensive benefits accessible to Nigerian employees.
Okenwa explained that the NSITF formed ProHealth as a special purpose company to implement its social security objectives in accordance with the ILO Convention No. 102 on Minimum Medicare Standards while speaking at the organization’s annual conference in Abuja
He said the essence of the meeting was to take stock and chart a new course for the organization.
According to him, “ we are here to discuss the performance of our organisation , account for the duty and assets entrusted to our care , reflect on the successes and challenges we face as well as outline strategic priorities for the years ahead. Making affordable medical care accessible to the world of work is my mission as I take charge as the Chairman of the board of ProHealth. ”
Okenwa described the agency’s previous year as one of mixed fortunes and added that only expanded drive to enroll more Nigerians into the health scheme will boost its fortunes.
“We have made progress in some areas but our core business posted a decrease in the past one year. With a fairly good result though , we commit ourselves to new strategies in developing talents and efficiently managing all risks related to our social insurance business.
“ We are striving to beat down challenges. With the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 making health insurance mandatory for Nigerians , a new growth window for increased investments and participation has been opened and our organization is positioned to grab emerging opportunities.
“ Our organization is fast carving a niche for itself as a leading Health Management organization with inroads into Plateau , Ebonyi, Sokoto, FCT, Abia among others in our quest to bring health insurance to the door step of every Nigerian. Our target is to achieve an enrollee base of at least 2 million lives by 2028.
We shall also consolidate our international partnership in the areas of travel insurance, second medical opinion and international health insurance packages.”
He added that for the first time in the history of the organization, payment of dividends to its shareholders will be made and further announced new members of the board of the agency to include Mrs. Ijeoma Oji-Okoronkwo and Innocent Eremionkhale as non-executive directors.
In his remarks, ProHealth’s managing director, Chinedu Nnabuihe, also expressed his commitment to working cooperatively with the board and personnel to advance the company’s growth process.
Other board members in attendance at the meeting included , Mr. Gana Modu who is the Executive Director Operations at the NSITF, Barr. Innocent Eremionkhale, Oluseyi Osho, Dr. Josephine Anenechukwu and Christian Ikebundu.
